Applying
for a job with us

We encourage you to spend some time learning about our award-winning trust and amazing employee culture. You can find out more here.

If you have a question or want to know more about a job you are wanting to apply for, you can contact us prior to submitting your application.

Don’t be afraid to use the contact details of the Recruiting Manager on the job advert. This is a great way to find out more about the role prior to interview and will help you when completing your application. Ask away!

Reading the job application may seem like an obvious step however many people skip this. Even if you scanned the job description and person specification when you decided to apply for the role, it is still important to review and re-read this to make sure you don’t miss out any key pieces of information which will help ensure you meet all criteria when submitting your application.

You will only be shortlisted if you meet the essential requirements of the employee specification. Remember, your supporting statement is probably the most important section on your application. Please ensure you match your experience to the person specification for the post – if you have no direct experience on parts of the role explain how you would approach that aspect of the role.

The decision to shortlist you for interview will be solely based on the information you provide in the application form. Therefore, you need to make sure you include all of your relevant skills and experience. Explain the reasons for any gaps in employment or education (e.g. travelling, maternity leave) and remember to include any voluntary work you have done or home experience (e.g. caring for family members) if appropriate and relevant.

Make sure you answer all of the questions in the application process. Taking the time to ensure that each aspect of your application is complete will support your application during the shortlisting process.

Always ensure you check your application form several times before submitting. Proof read and spell check your application to ensure it is accurate, complete and not repetitive. Ask a friend or family member to read through it to help.

If you’re successful in our shortlisting stage, you’ll be invited to interview, via an email from NHS Trac Jobs. Your interview invite email will include a link for you to book at a suitable time. Please keep an eye on your e-mails as you will receive instructions here on how to book, and this is confirmation that you will be attending the interview. An interview reminder will be sent to you a day before your interview date.

Dependent on the role you are applying for, there may be a requirement to bring supporting documents to the interview. If so a checklist “Documents Required at Interview” will be sent to you as part of your invitation to attend an interview.

We use a variety of selection methods to help us choose the right person to join our team. Depending on the role you have applied for, you may be required to undertake additional forms of assessment as part of the selection process, such as written tasks or presentations. You will be informed of when you receive your interview invitation. You will also be given an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments required for interview.

It is important to think about the type of interview you are attending. You may get invited to any one of the following interview types;

• Virtual/Online – online video call such as Microsoft Teams or Zoom.
• Assessment Centre/Group Activity – interviews may be based on activities, practical and written test assessments alongside other candidates.
• In-Person (One-on-One or Panel) – usually held at the place of work.

It’s normal to be a bit nervous on the day of an interview. To feel prepared remember to:

• Dress appropriately. Choose professional attire that aligns with the company culture.
• Plan your journey, think about transport parking, the location of the interview.
• Give yourself plenty of time to arrive. Have a plan B route in case of delays.
• Once arrived, turn off your phone so you’re not distracted.
• Be ready to start the interview 5 to 10 minutes before.
• If possible, bring a copy of your CV and any supporting materials that support your application.
• Know how to contact the interviewer in case unexpected situations.
• Bring your ID documents.
• You may bring que cards / notes / questions as a memory prompt.

No matter what interview type you have been invited to, it is important during your interview to:

1. Make eye contact with all members of the interview panel or  those within your group activity.
2. Do not focus on the person asking an interview question when answering, it is important to engage with everyone.
3. Be clear and concise in your responses – structure your answers.
4. Do not assume that the panel or interviewer knows the detail of what is in your application form or CV.
5. Sell yourself – provide examples of your own experiences.
6. Remember to use ‘I’ rather than ‘we’.
7. Make sure you understand the organisation’s goals and values and can talk about why they are important to you.
8. Be aware of your body language. You want to convey that you’re enthusiastic, positive and energetic.
9. Remember to ask questions as it helps demonstrate that you are keen and want the job.
10. Always have your phone switched off/silent somewhere where it can’t distract you during the interview.

Practice speaking to a panel / group
Often you will be interviewed by a panel of NHS professionals including the Recruitment Manager and department staff. Increase your chance of success and practice speaking to a group of people, ask family and friends to help.

Practice your answers
Think about what type of questions will be asked about yourself and write down some thoughts on how you might answer them. Research how to best answer different types of questions you may get asked; competency, strength, technical or situational questions.

Prepare questions
You’ll be given the opportunity to ask questions at the interview. Asking questions shows you have taken adequate time to prepare and that you’re serious about the interview. Prepare some questions to ask the interview panel, however be careful not to ask for information that has already been provided or discussed during the interview.

For virtual interviews
Check your equipment is working by doing a test beforehand. Find some quiet space for the duration. It’s ok if there are distractions during the interview, it happens, don’t worry. Ensure you have the online joining link saved and easily accessible. Log on ahead of your interview time.

Presentation Interviews
If you are required to present a presentation, ensure it is on a USB, easy to share or be downloaded. Save and send it to multiple places just in case. Make sure you practice it so it runs to time. Be mindful that interviewers may cut you off after a certain amount of time so it’s fair to everyone. It also shows you’re good at time management.

Re-read your application
Focus on what you included to show how you met the job requirements.

Remind yourself of the job description and person specification, practice matching your answers to the criteria.

Research and learn about our organisation its values and prepare answers as to how you match these.

Following your interview, you will be contacted by the Recruiting Manager and notified of the interview outcome, usually the same day or day after the interviews (unless advised otherwise).

Successful Candidates

If successful, you will receive a verbal conditional offer which will be followed up by email. Once you have accepted your job offer there are only a few more steps to go through on your NHS recruitment journey, including pre-employment checks.

We strongly recommend that you don’t formally hand in your notice from your current employer until you have completed all pre-employment checks.

Unsuccessful Candidates

If you are unsuccessful in your interview, you will be given the opportunity to request feedback to help you in the future. This is an opportunity to learn from your experience so ask some questions:

1. What did I do well?
2. Where could I improve?
3. What was I missing?
4. What could I do differently next time?

Remember when receiving feedback to:

Listen, have an open mind.  Feedback will help you succeed.

Stay professional, if you do not agree with the interview outcome or feedback, remain professional. Don’t be confrontational as this will not change the outcome. Remember impressions count!

Remember future opportunities may arise with the same recruiter. Unforeseen situations may occur and the successful candidate may not work out or decline the offer after a few days. If you are seen as a good applicant, you may approached instead of re-advertising the position. This happens more often than you might think and shows the importance of remaining professional.

If you are unsuccessful remember to focus on the positives!

You got an interview in the first place, that’s a great achievement, and you now have first hand experience of an NHS interview. There will always be a next time!

Your application was completed correctly, you made it to the shortlist as your application met all key points a recruiter required.

The job market is very competitive and you made it to the shortlist, keep in mind that some roles receive hundreds of applications.

Feedback – you now have some valuable feedback to use for your next interview. Increasing your chances of success!

All new employees within the NHS require an Identification Verification Check, in line with the NHS Employers Employment Check Standards.

You will be required to present either two forms of photographic identification and one proof of address, or alternatively one form of photographic identification and two proof of address documents. Click Here for List of Accepted Documentation

You will be required to provide valid evidence that you have permission to work in the UK.

A DBS check ensures a safe and effective decision is made regarding employment. In some cases, a DBS check may not be required or the level of DBS check required may vary dependent on the role.

If required this will be stipulated in the original job description. Evidence such as original qualification or certificates will be required as we will contact the relevant regulatory body.

If you are:

New to the NHS – we require references covering three years prior to your offer being made (this could include previous employment, volunteering roles or academic organisations).

Existing NHS employee – if you are joining from another trust then we will only request a reference from your most recent NHS employer.

We require candidates to have occupational health clearance. In some cases this may require an appointment with our Employee Health and Wellbeing Team.

Once your start date is agreed and confirmed, our Recruitment Department will send you your Contract of Employment. It is important you carefully review this. Once you have read your contract you must then accept your contract via Trac.